March 31, 2010 -- French Ambassador Philippe Delacroix and British High Commissioner Matthew Forbes have issued a statement concerning the joint Seychelles Coastguard and EUNAVFOR operation on 29 March.

They said the operation to free the Seychellois and Iranian hostages being held at sea by a group of Somali pirates was a good example of what can be achieved in the fight against this scourge when the international community works together.

"We congratulate the Seychelles Coastguard and the EUNAVFOR aircrews who took part in this operation.  The crew of the Topaz showed considerable determination in pressing home the operation in difficult and dangerous circumstances," said the joint statement.